The Aurora Community Space located at 4114 31st Street in Lloydminster. (submitted/City of Lloydminster)
THE AURORA COMMUNITY SPACE

New Lloydminster park makes a splash with focus on accessibility

Jul 12, 2025 | 11:02 AM

Residents in Lloydminster have a new place to gather this summer — and the mayor says it was designed so no one has to stay home because of mobility challenges.

The Aurora Community Space, which opened July 3 at 4114 31st Street, includes a large playground and a 12-feature splash pad. The space is fully wheelchair accessible, with smooth surfaces and ramps so people using mobility aids can enjoy every corner of it.

“It’s 2,840 square meters, a park that was designed to be inclusive for everyone,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

He said ensuring everyone has access to outdoor spaces has become a priority for the city, whether people use a wheelchair, are recovering from surgery or just want to spend time with their loved ones.

“It’s important that people are not denied access to things like parks, and spend time with their children, their grandchildren or their great grandchildren,” Aalbers said.

The play structure includes sections that can be reached by wheelchair, and the splash pad is designed to drain safely without getting stuck in wheels or walkers.

“The 12-feature splash pad is smooth. It does drain with a slight angle to it, but from the perspective of someone that would be able to be in a swimsuit and if they were able to get their mobility assisted equipment wet, they can partake in the spray park just like everybody else.”

The park took nearly two years from planning to completion. The city received $50,000 through the Co-op Community Spaces program to help cover the total cost of about $579,000.

“It’s just another area that people will be able to get together with their family for a picnic. If they want to have an outdoor birthday party, if they just want to escape the heat for a few hours and get a little bit wet… the splash park will be a perfect place to cool off,” Aalbers said.

He pointed out that residents living nearby are especially happy they no longer have to drive across the city — from the east side to Bud Miller All Seasons Park on the west side — to find a similar space.

Seeing families using the new space already makes the effort worth it, he added.

“To see the excitement, the smiles and hear the children laughing and playing — that’s the first thing that always lights me up.”

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

View Comments